+ 7th Grade

Math: Our current learning targets focus on calculating surface area for a variety of 3D figures. Students are working to demonstrate persistence to produce accurate solutions and precise measurement labels.

Please note that several assessments remain this school year, including an end of year assessment that will cover the essential learning standards of 7th grade math. Assessment dates are posted in RenWeb in advance.

Also, we are beginning the process of forming recommendations for next year’s 8th grade math courses. At BCCS students may be placed in either Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1. Recommendations are based on multiple factors, including MAP data, unit assessment scores, and demonstrated learning habits throughout the year. More information will be shared via email later this month.

ELA: We are in the midst of our realistic fiction reading and writing unit. Students have been working in their realistic fiction reading groups, focusing on reading skills such as inference, theme analysis, and identifying point of view. We have also been working on developing elements of a realistic fiction short story each student will be writing. So far, we have focused on developing realistic characters and settings.

Bible: As we move into the final stretch of the school year, students will be working on two important projects in class. First, they will begin their Faith Portfolio, centered around the prompt "I Can Serve Christ By…", This will require them to examine how their faith shapes the way they live and interact with others. Also we will be starting our last unit of the year on Jewish Feasts, where students will study each feast and have the opportunity to participate in experiences that allow the students to engage in these celebrations.

Science: In science we are wrapping up the simple living things and will be looking deeply into plants- the chemistry of photosynthesis, and the way God designed them to reproduce and spread throughout creation with our learning target: I can recognize how God created the natural plant world, and how humans can affect restoration and fallenness in it.

Social Studies: We are now in the final unit of the year, Sectionalism. This unit will take students through an important period of American history from the 1820s-1840s. Our 60 year learning target is: 'We will identify ways that we are called to serve others and as a result of our service, build community with them.'" We will examine the financial and population growth of our country, the increased tension between North and South, while describing how slavery continues to develop tension and disagreements.

PE: FORE! Golfing weather is back and our 7th graders have been learning how to swing a golf club and hit a golf ball. It is great to see the progress and success that many of our students are experiencing as they learn a lifetime activity that has the potential to help them strive to remain active throughout their lifetimes. Perhaps this year will be the year you take your son or daughter with you to enjoy a round of golf!

+ 8th Grade

Pre-Algebra: We are continuing our geometry unit, with a focus on calculating the volume of various 3D figures. Students are emphasizing precise measurement labels while strengthening their algebraic reasoning as they solve related equations. We also celebrate the thoughtful work students have invested in their Restoration Projects. Thank you for your support as they’ve engaged in meaningful analysis. We pray they continue to grow in using their gifts to serve others. A few assessments remain this school year, including a comprehensive end-of-year assessment covering essential pre-algebra standards. All dates are posted in RenWeb in advance.

Algebra: Our final unit is underway, focusing on solving quadratic equations using a variety of strategies. This unit brings together persistence, perseverance, and the beauty of algebra. Please note that a few assessments remain this school year, including a comprehensive end-of-year assessment covering essential Algebra 1 standards. All dates are posted in RenWeb in advance. We also celebrate the meaningful work students have invested in their Restoration Projects. Thank you for your continued support—we pray they are inspired to use their gifts to serve others.

ELA: We have been reading short stories from the Twilight Zone series! Our focus for this unit will be identifying themes within short stories.

Bible: Students are continuing to explore the growth of the early Church. After the break, we will move further through key accounts in the book of Acts, seeing how God used the lives of His people to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea, and to the ends of the earth. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Seder Passover meal. It was a meaningful and blessed time of reflection for our class. May the celebration of Christ’s resurrection bring hope and strength to each of your families!

Science: In 8th grade science we will be wrapping up Reproduction. The unit on reproduction is so full of fallenness and restoration- possibly more than any other area we have studied. Your students have asked good questions throughout, and we have had some important discussions- especially surrounding internet porn and internet gambling, which according to many are the greatest threats these kids (especially our young men) face. I hope you continue these important discussions about the dangers and fallenness of both of those topics. Next we will be moving on to some genetics- the way God uses to create diversity in creation!
Bible: In 8th grade Bible we will be looking at some of Paul’s letters and then moving on to examine apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic literature and the history of the early church post- acts will take us close to the end of the year

Social Studies: In 8th grade social studies the students are beginning to learn about Asia, our final unit of the school year. The 60 year learning target is “We will recognize the challenges and opportunities of a tremendously high population rate, celebrate the diversity of the region (language, culture, history, geography) and help bring restoration where God leads us.” In this unit students will not only learn about the physical aspects of the country, they will research lifestyle, and culture as well.

+ Music

Mark your calendars for our concert on Monday, May 18th at 7 p.m. It will be hosted at South Christian H.S.’s auditorium, and will feature band, orchestra, and choir students in 5th-8th grade. It’s going to be a night mixed with beautiful music, hymns, and pop favorites that’ll have you dancing in your seat!